I'll be spending the last two weekends in August (Sat-Sun only) in Auckland, NZ. In addition to exploring the city, I'd like to check out the famous scenery. What to do? Where to go? What are people wearing this time of year? [more inside]
posted by ista
on Aug 18, 2014 -
6 answers

I'm a recent Camberville transplant from a place that was more in the "trees that happen to have nearby houses" department rather than the "houses that happen to have nearby trees" department. I'm looking for pleasant places for, say, 3-10 mile rambles where I can forget for a bit that I am not cut out for city life. A few additional constraints within. [more inside]
posted by dorque
on Aug 9, 2014 -
15 answers

I'm thru-hiking a section of the PCT with a friend, and I'm supposed to meet her at the trail near Snoqualmie Pass. Only issue is that I don't have a car and I'm not sure if I could convince anyone to drive me out there on a weekday(when we would meet).
Are there any experienced northwest car-less hikers who have done this before?
posted by aleatorictelevision
on Aug 7, 2014 -
10 answers

I'm looking for a break from tech-life and have a friend who recently solo thru-biked the Colorado Trail. I'm on the east coast, but would love to do something similar. [more inside]
posted by tmcw
on Aug 5, 2014 -
9 answers

When I was very young, my dad took me camping to see the Perseid meteors; it was one of the defining experiences of my life. Now I am grown and he is nearly old, and I would like to turn it around. Help me find a suitable mountaintop in New England to go camping with my dad; somewhere where we won't have to see anyone else. Details within. [more inside]
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The
on Jul 29, 2014 -
12 answers

My partner and I are headed to California in August and have 2 days to ourselves. We're both very avid hikers and are interested in seeing redwoods. Help us plan an awesome 2 day hike between San Jose/Sonoma! [more inside]
posted by olya
on Jul 11, 2014 -
10 answers

I want a GPS for geocaching and hiking in areas with no cell phone coverage. The ones I've seen so far look about as up-to-date as my Handspring Visor. Please advise. [more inside]
posted by The corpse in the library
on Jul 4, 2014 -
19 answers

Hi all, the girlfriend and I are planning a trip for the August long weekend, and we'd like to go somewhere where we can do a moderately exertional day hike (i.e. 5-6 hrs or so). We were thinking about heading to the Bruce peninsula, but despite our combined Google-fu, we're having trouble locating specific hikes (as in, "Start at point x, see nice things y, finish at point z") that meet our criteria. We're going to be getting the reference guide to the Bruce from the library, but I was wondering if anyone had specific ideas about good, scenic day hikes that would be feasibly within a 3-4 hour drive of Toronto. Areas other than the Bruce also considered! Bonus points for access to a beach in the area (e.g. on Georgian Bay or a lake). [more inside]
posted by greatgefilte
on Jun 29, 2014 -
7 answers

Road trip filter! We're spending today (and tonight) in Portland and want to be in Seattle by mid-afternoon tomorrow. On the way, we'd like to visit a volcanic (or geological) outdoorsy spot. The original idea was to hike the Ape Cave lava tube, but looking at a map, it may be too far out of the way if we want to leave Portland at 9am and reach Seattle by 4. Any good alternatives?
posted by itesser
on Jun 25, 2014 -
9 answers

Askmefites always recommend socks. The best gift for dad, the best thing to spend money on, the best things to put on your feet, etc. Sometimes they recommend brands, sometimes they recommend uses of the socks. Usually, they just say "buy good socks". This is basically a question asking for more details. [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle
on Jun 2, 2014 -
20 answers

Hikers of Metafilter, help me out! I would like to find a day hike somewhere in the northeast US (within a few hours of SE Pennsylvania), with a pretty specific requirement of 'a decent place to eat and have a beer halfway through the day.' Does this place exist? [more inside]
posted by catesbie
on May 18, 2014 -
9 answers

Can anyone recommend some good day, well to moderate marked hikes around the Denver area for next weekend? We would prefer some moderate to tough trails and are already planning on the Mt. Evans drive but would really like to get out a bit more.
posted by lpcxa0
on May 6, 2014 -
12 answers

I'm looking for "hiking boots" that realistically will be used mostly on city streets. I mostly care about walking on slick cement or tile (e.g., many subway stations, fancy lobbies) without slipping, and about stepping into puddles without soaking my socks. A few times a year I may also wear them on a spring or fall day hike, so I'd rather they weren't heavily insulated, but otherwise actual hiking should be a secondary consideration. What features should I look for, and where would be a good brick-and-mortar store in Manhattan to buy them? (I have funny-shaped feet, so I want to try out a few options without waiting multiple round trips for shipping. Also, helpful staff would be a plus.)
posted by d. z. wang
on May 5, 2014 -
13 answers

I remember reading in an old Backpacker Magazine the Best Hikes in the Midwest, and number one was a few hours outside of St. Louis. But I don't remember what it was and I can't find it online! Failing someone finding that, I would like recommendations for a place within 3 hours of St. Louis where we could hike a couple hours and then camp for the night. [more inside]
posted by saul wright
on May 1, 2014 -
5 answers

I bought a 50 litre rucksack to take on a hiking holiday this summer. I do a lot of walking and am used to carrying a 25 litre backpack with no problems. Yesterday I lightly packed the 50L bag and took it out on a easy hike to start getting used to it, but over the course of the day I strained my upper back, between my shoulder blades. I don't think there's anything wrong with the bag - what am I doing wrong? [more inside]
posted by meronym
on Apr 27, 2014 -
7 answers

If a female personage were to be putting together gear for a "Nature Excursion" -- really something less than a day hike, more like just a couple three hours - what on earth does that look like? [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven
on Apr 13, 2014 -
19 answers

Two of my friends want to go on an overnight camping trip starting from Manhattan, but separately. So I'm looking for one place where we could camp overnight that's within a 30-60 mile bike ride of public transportation, and another place where we could camp overnight that's within a few miles' walk of public transportation. The bike site could be either a prepared camp site or just a place where people won't mind us pitching a tent; the walking site really has to be approved for camping. Does the hive mind have any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by d. z. wang
on Apr 7, 2014 -
7 answers

Is there a store in Salt Lake City that sells Utahn USGS 7.5 minute topo maps that's open on Saturday? Or, alternatively, a place in Moab that's open on Sunday? For instance, does REI sell topo maps? We're visiting Utah from Vancouver Canada and we don't have enough time to have maps shipped from the USGS, but unfortunately the way things are timed we're going to be passing through SLC and Moab on the weekend. We'll need the maps by Monday morning, otherwise we'd hang around. Any help would be appreciated.
posted by Dr. Send
on Mar 30, 2014 -
11 answers

Solo traveling mefites! Have you found active travel tours that tend to learn a little to the younger crowd. I'm not trying to find a singles-ready-to-mingle tour, but would hike with folks who are more excited about the hike than the souvenirs. I'm comfortable traveling solo to most places - but, who wants to go on a safari solo? Ideas for companies or feedback from those who have taken REI-type travel tours would be great! Thanks globe-trotters,
posted by msfrizzle
on Mar 7, 2014 -
12 answers

I'd like to buy a home in a very cheap place that still has culture--local, regional, and national music. Museums, public attractions, parks. Bike friendly and/or walkable and/or good public transportation system. Great natural attractions nearby--hiking, rafting, kayaking, swimming, climbing, caving, hunting, fishing. Where is this possible? [more inside]
posted by jsturgill
on Mar 4, 2014 -
44 answers

My girlfriend and I will be spending the next 3-4 months travelling in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Where should we go and what should we do? [more inside]
posted by saul wright
on Feb 6, 2014 -
10 answers

So I've decided to get into backpacking. I've set some goals of backpacking part of the PCT, Acadia, and the Olympic Peninsula as my must-do hikes. So, here's the Ask. What kind of preparation should I do before undertaking say, a week to two week hike at each of those locations? I live in Texas, which is very flat and relatively boring by comparison, so access to varied terrain will be a little difficult for me to come by. What kind of "practice trips" should I go on before trying for one of these more ambitious hikes? And what's a realistic amount of time to prepare for a hike of that magnitude?
posted by doogan nash
on Jan 24, 2014 -
14 answers

Mrs. and I are able to get away from the kiddos and wretched cold of Minnesota for a long weekend in Vegas the last weekend of February, first time for both of us. Please help us enjoy our rare getaway! [more inside]
posted by look busy
on Jan 8, 2014 -
23 answers

Husband loves to take photos when hiking, but hates taking his backpack all the way off and on again every time he wants to reach for his camera. I need a hiking backpack for my husband that will hold all the regular stuff for a day hike but with some sort of easy access zippered side pocket where he can just reach around to grab his camera, shoot photos, and put it back inside while leaving the backpack on his back the whole time. Ideally for $60 or less. Searched around on amazon but cannot find it. Any suggestions? Thanks!
posted by skjønn
on Dec 26, 2013 -
13 answers

I’m a healthy but sedentary person. One of my greatest wishes is to climb Mt. Fuji. If I have 5 years to get ready, what should I do to prepare physically? [more inside]
posted by clearlydemon
on Dec 16, 2013 -
15 answers

I want to go on a long hike before my wife and I buy a house or have kids, sort of a 'final big adventure by myself' before completely settling down. The Appalachian Trail is tempting but 5 months is a long time to be away from home (not to mention it'll be expensive). Please suggest some alternative long hikes. Maybe in the 1-2 month length range. Bonus points if your suggestion is in Canada. [more inside]
posted by signsofrain
on Nov 21, 2013 -
27 answers

I walk and hike a lot for exercise and to meet my dog's needs. But I'm having trouble going longer distances without some hip pain and tiredness. I just signed up for a 12 mile hike with 2200+ feet elevation gain in early December with friends. I don't want to have to back out. How can I up my mileage? [more inside]
posted by cecic
on Nov 4, 2013 -
22 answers

Because of the sequester, my plans for a birthday hike of Old Rag are out. Looking for something within a 2 or 3 hour drive of the D.C. area for Monday, October 14th. Have extensive hiking experience so would like something with a fair amount of miles and am not afraid of difficulty. No climbing, though!
posted by sparringnarwhal
on Oct 7, 2013 -
4 answers

I'm in Albany, NY for two months and I would love some outdoor adventure ideas for this weekend (there are so many destinations to choose from - HELP!) [more inside]
posted by foxhat10
on Oct 4, 2013 -
9 answers

So, the National Parks are shut and husband and I are on a US road trip of a lifetime, during which we were due to visit/camp at many of those National Parks. Boo! Please help us salvage our trip and tell us about your favorite State Parks/hikes/non-NPS camping spots in OR, CA, AZ and southern UT! [more inside]
posted by atlantica
on Oct 1, 2013 -
27 answers

Where, within 3-4 hours of Providence, RI, can a couple find a nice B&B with easy access to impressive foliage, good hiking, and some really excellent dining? We're particularly interested in VT and NH, although perhaps there are some options in MA. All responses welcome.
posted by munyeca
on Sep 22, 2013 -
9 answers

Looking for a nice place to do some light hiking this weekend during a day trip to the Detroit area. Preferably in Royal Oak or Ferndale because we will be in both places for different reasons. Something in nature with a loop hike between two and five miles preferably. Will travel to nearby towns for the right spot.
posted by morganannie
on Sep 3, 2013 -
6 answers

I will be trekking/travelling/volunteering in South America for 6-8 months early next year. I am looking for what to wear and bring. Ideally, comfortable, water resistant, fashionable, lightweight things. [more inside]
posted by saul wright
on Aug 23, 2013 -
12 answers

I've just finished a few months of fieldwork and my thoughts are turning to how I might make the next expedition go more smoothly and comfortably than the last. I have realized that I really need a separate bag for field gear -- for camera equipment, dissection tools, chemicals, etc. I think I know what sort of thing I'm after, but I don't know how to find it. [more inside]
posted by Scientist
on Jul 17, 2013 -
10 answers

As I'm spending more and more time on bike trips where there are many long stretches without access to reliable tap water, I'm starting to investigate water filters and purifiers as a supplement/backup solution in case the extra water I carry runs out or spills or whatever. But there are so many kinds, and some of them seem really sketchy, and I'm getting overwhelmed! Can you point me to a good, comprehensive resource on how to choose and use water purifiers and filters? Or can you talk me through a typical real-world use? Take for granted that I'll be using them within the US and am unlikely to be traveling in areas where the natural water supply is seriously contaminated.
posted by rhiannonstone
on Jul 7, 2013 -
15 answers

Living in the Alps and going to Iceland in a few weeks, I decided to invest in a decent pair of hiking boots for walking in the mountains, amongst rocks, rough terrain and even volcanoes and glaciers in the case of Iceland. I have not had such shoes for a long time, so am new to such a purchase. After trying the boots at home for a few hours, I am experiencing discomfort in my ankles. Is his normal or should I take the boots back? [more inside]
posted by eurandom
on May 26, 2013 -
7 answers

I'm going to be in DC in mid-June, and me and a pal who'll be staying in Falls Church would like to go hiking somewhere nearby for around half a day. Does anyone have any scenic cicada-unscathed trails to recommend? Neither of us have a car but we can rent if necessary. [more inside]
posted by swimmingly
on May 25, 2013 -
8 answers

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